Cantwell Alaska

Population: 226

Location and Climate
Cantwell is located on the George Parks Highway at the west end of the Denali Highway, 211 miles north of Anchorage and 28 miles south of Denali (Mount McKinley) Park. Part of the community is located on the Alaska Railroad. The areas known as Kantishna and Carlo Creek are located nearby. It lies at approximately 63.391670° North Latitude and -148.95083° West Longitude. (Sec. 31, T017S, R007W, Fairbanks Meridian.) Cantwell is located in the Nenana Recording District. The area encompasses 118.3 sq. miles of land and 0.5 sq. miles of water. The climate in Cantwell is continental, characterized by long, cold winters and relatively warm summers. Snowfall averages 78 inches, with a total annual precipitation of 15 inches. Temperature extremes have been recorded from -54 to 89.

History, Culture and Demographics
The Cantwell River was the former name of the Nenana River. The earliest inhabitants of the area were nomadic Indians who trapped, hunted and fished throughout Interior Alaska. Cantwell began as a flag stop on the Alaska Railroad. Oley Nicklie was the first Indian to settle here. When fur prices dropped, he and his two brothers sought work with the railroad. A federally recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Native Village of Cantwell. 27% of the population are Alaska Native or part Native. Alaska Natives in the Cantwell area are primarily Athabascan Indians. During the 2000 U.S. Census, there were 178 total housing units, and 76 were vacant. 60 of these vacant housing units are used only seasonally. 121 residents were employed. The unemployment rate at that time was 11.03%, although 39.5% of all adults were not in the work force. The median household income was $43,750, per capita income was $22,615, and 2.05% of residents were living below the poverty level.

Facilities, Utilities, Schools and Health Care
The majority of homes and the school have individual water wells and septic systems. Over 50% of households have complete plumbing. Refuse is deposited in a Borough transfer station, then hauled to the new regional landfill just south of Anderson. Electricity is provided by Golden Valley Electric Association. There is one school located in the community, attended by 22 students. Local hospitals or health clinics include Cantwell Clinic (768-2122). Cantwell is classified as an isolated village, it is found in EMS Region 1C in the Interior Region. Emergency Services have highway, air and helicopter access. Emergency service is provided by 911 Telephone Service, volunteers and a health aide. Auxiliary health care is provided by Cantwell Volunteer Ambulance (768-2162/768-2982).

Economy and Transportation
Cantwell's economy is based on highway tourism and transportation. Part-time seasonal construction jobs also provide income. Most Native residents also depend on subsistence hunting, fishing, trapping and gathering. One resident holds a commercial fishing permit. Cantwell is accessible by road, rail and air. The George Parks Highway connects to Fairbanks and Anchorage, and the Denali Highway links Denali Park with the Richardson Highway during summer months only. There are two privately-owned airstrips; Cantwell Heights Property Owners operate a 2,080' long by 70' wide gravel airstrip for public use. A privately-owned helipad is also available at the Igloo. The Alaska Railroad still provides train service.

Source: State of Alaska, Department of Community and Economic Development.

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[graphic version Cantwell Alaska]